D B Chandre Gowda is not new to Parliamentary politics. He entered the Lok Sabha from the Congress party for the first time way back in 1971, and was re-elected in 1976, both times from Chickmagalur. In 1978, he resigned from Chickmagalur to enable Indira Gandhi to contest from the seat.

He has held several significant posts including that of Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1983-1985), Leader of Opposition, Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1989-1992), Minister, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Karnataka (1999-2004), in addition to having held several other posts.

He left Congress party in 2008 and joined BJP, when Yeddyurappa headed the party. He was re-elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Bangalore North constituency in 2009.

Member, Committee on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (Lok Sabha)

MP Report Card

Chandre Gowda’s attendance sheet (59%) is well below the national and state average. A quick analysis of the MP’s attendance over the period of 2009-2013 reveals that there has been a decline in his attendance. While in 2009, his average attendance was around 71%, that figure came down to 59% in 2010 and 2011, further reduced to 54% in 2012, and ended at 45% in 2013.

He has also participated in seven debates — this is well below the national and state average. Majority of the debates which he has been part of relate to various issues connected to Karnataka. These issues include a demand for special status to North Karnataka region, allotment of adequate coal to the Government of Karnataka for proposed thermal projects, bringing attention to the plight of farmers in Chickmanglur district due to loss of areca crops and other such issues.

Gowda has asked 750 questions which goes well beyond the national and state average in terms of number of questions asked. These questions relate to different ministries including railways, defence, finance, home affairs, rural development, information and broadcasting etc. A separate analysis will be provided on this.

Bangalore Garbage Crisis: One of the few times where Chandre Gowda’s involvement in local issues that has been documented is the Bangalore Garbage Crisis of 2012-13. He was part of an official delegation which went to meet the citizens of Mandur who were protesting against BBMP dumping Bangalore’s garbage in that village. He was once again approached by the villagers in August 2013 with their problems.

MPLAD funds

Chandre Gowda has utilised 78% of the MPLAD funds allotted to him. He has spent maximum funds on road improvement programs, by funding 316 road improvement projects. Second highest amount of funds has been spent on ‘civic amenities’ which includes construction of community halls, compound walls, libraries and other such infrastructure.

The MP has also funded street lighting projects, unlike his other two Bangalore MP colleagues who have funded that to a far lesser extent. There is no amount spent on sanitation.

Outburst against Governor & Judiciary: Chandre Gowda has not been in the news very much since his election victory in 2009. However, his name was mentioned in the press in June 2011 when he came out in support of the Karnataka Assembly Speaker, K G Bopiah who was criticized for disqualifying 16 MLAs including 11 rebel BJP MLAs. Gowda was once again in the news later in October 2011, when a newspaper had reported that he had criticised the Governor’s office for expediting permissions for court actions whenever complaints against the BJP government were made. The newspaper report had also attributed statements by Gowda to the effect that court orders were being prepared in the Raj Bhavan. Following this, the High Court Registrar registered a Suo moto case of contempt of court against Gowda. Finally, Gowda tendered an unconditional apology to the Karnataka High Court, following which the case was closed.

Being a Yeddyurappa supporter cost D B Chandregowda heavily in his political career. Once Yeddyurappa left BJP, Chandregowda was sidelined. Recently, there have been rumours of BJP fielding Sadananda Gowda from Bangalore North, though the names of R Ashoka and Shobha Karandlaje were making the rounds as well. The official candidates of BJP will be announced on March 8th.